MPD Officer Justin Billa Died A Hero

posted by Mason -

There are no words to describe the loss of Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa. Sometimes we look at the police as the guys handing out speeding tickets, while forgetting the ways in which they put their lives on the line. Domestic disturbances tend to be particularly dangerous, and for Officer Justin Billa -- who was just 27-years-old -- it was deadly.

By now you've probably heard the story. Billa was working a police standoff with a man who was barricaded inside his home. Robert Hollie is suspected of killing his ex-wife, and then killing the MPD officer as he approached the house. Hollie was later found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. It was the first fatal shooting of a Mobile police officer since 2012.

Tonight, the RSA Tower will be lit in blue in honor of Billa and the heroism he displayed in life... and ultimately in death.

Meanwhile, a memorial fund has been set up to help his family in the aftermath of this horrific event. Billa leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old son. Anything you can contribute would be great.

Flags are flying at half staff across the state and condolences are coming in from across the nation.

Alabama is mourning the loss of one of our own Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa who was killed in the line of duty. My prayers are with his wife, young child and the city of Mobile. I'm directing flags across Alabama to be displayed at half-staff to honor his life & sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/kBoUm8DKN0

While the headline is prevalent, the pain is unique- another officer lost. Officer Justin Billa of the Mobile Police Department, #Alabama was shot & killed today while searching for a murder suspect. The #LASD extends our condolences to family, friends, & co-workers of this hero pic.twitter.com/nDyOOeF74C

It's been an emotional day for our nation's law enforcement officers. As we mourn the loss of our K9 Rony, we grieve for two officers shot & killed in the line of duty. Prayers for @MobileALPolice Officer Justin Billa and @PGPDNews Corporal Mujahid Ramzziddin. #hounewspic.twitter.com/JHS8YBxw7I

Rest In Peace Police Officer Justin Billa was shot and killed while assisting in the apprehension of a man who had just murdered his ex-wife..🙏🏼He is survived by his wife and one 1-year-old-son. pic.twitter.com/4B7Co5GziU

From San Diego to Mobile, our condolences to the family, friends & @MobileALPolice Department on the loss of Officer Justin Billa, who was killed in the line of duty serving his community. pic.twitter.com/V0a5oGRD3k

Officer Bill is the 19th Mobile police officer to die in the line of duty.

#RIP #EOW 2.21.2018 (far too soon)

Ofc. Justin Billa is the 19th Officer in the history of MPD who died in the line of duty. Family members say he died doing what he loved and that his his department what his life. He was just 27-years-old @mynbc15pic.twitter.com/LxIlGFl2gD

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